Mexico defeated the United States 2-1 in a thrilling final at Houston’s NRG Stadium on Sunday, securing their record-extending 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup trophy.
Just four minutes into the game, Chris Richards scored for the United States when Sebastian Berhalter’s free kick found him. Richards’ strong header hit the underside of the crossbar and dropped straight down, and the referee confirmed the goal was good.
However, Mexico gave a spectacular response. After Marcel Ruiz made a deft reverse pass, Raul Jimenez equalized the score in the 27th minute with a quick, instinctive finish into the roof of the net. In a moving homage to his late Wolverhampton Wanderers teammate Diogo Jota, who passed away in a car accident on Thursday, the Fulham striker scored the goal. On the field, Jimenez sat silently while holding up a Mexico jersey with Jota’s name and number on it.
Mexico, who controlled significant portions of the game, were energized by the equalizer. The Americans continued to pose a threat on the counter, with Malik Tillman and Berhalter forming a potent midfield tandem. Roberto Alvarado and 16-year-old Gilberto Mora both forced excellent saves from U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese.
In the end, Edson Ivarez discovered the breakthrough that Mexico had been demanding. The defender for West Ham United put Mexico ahead 2-1 in the 77th minute with a diving header. After being first disallowed for offside, a VAR review revealed that Lvarez had timed his run flawlessly, leading to raucous jubilation among the Mexican supporters.
In a frantic end, Mexico held firm to earn their victory, and Patrick Agyemang had a chance to equalize in the last minutes, but his effort barely missed the target.
Mexico’s win gives them a record-tying 10th Gold Cup title and guarantees them back-to-back victories. Additionally, Mexico won the Gold Cup’s predecessor, the CONCACAF Nations Championship, three times.
